Abstract:
A transportation device that has two or more wheel axes, auto-balance based drive control, and a rider platform which adjusts its auto-balancing neutral pitch to follow the incline of the riding surface based on incline data from sensors located on a non-pivoting part of the device. Possible forms of the transportation device include a scooter, a skateboard-like device, and a device with continuous tracks.
Abstract:
A two-wheel, self-balancing transportation device having a foot platform zone associated with each wheel. Various sensor or control arrangements are disclosed. In one embodiment, torsion sensing is used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. The torsion-based sensing is preferably combined with fore-aft platform position sensing to achieve a driving and turning of the device. In another embodiment, pressure sensors are used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. In yet another embodiment, a relative position sensor is used to determine the relative position of movable platforms sections. Other features and embodiments are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A scooter front end and a scooter device incorporating the front end. The front end may be releasably coupled to an auto-balancing drive wheel unit such as a Solowheel or Iota device. The scooter front end may serve as a training aid, or allow faster speeds or the carrying of goods, etc. The front end may include an ascending control structure that is used to steer the device. A support frame may extend rearwardly from a steerable wheel and provide a mechanism for releasable coupling to the auto-balancing drive wheel unit. Various embodiments for the scooter front end and drive wheel units are disclosed.
Abstract:
An ergonomic and rider-friendly auto-balancing personal transportation device. The device may have a central wheel structure with one or more tires and deployable foot platforms located on both sides of the central wheel structure. The platforms may be linked to a handle, such that lifting the handle retracts the foot platforms and releasing the handle may deploy them. The tire size and platform size may be set so that the device is easy to step on to, and the distance to ground when dismounting is reduced. Dual tire and single wider tire embodiments. Embodiments that allow different or multiple rider orientations are also disclosed, as are other features and embodiments.
Abstract:
Control for an auto-balancing transportation device and the transportation devices having such controls. The controls monitoring system power and power use and generating a corrective response when the difference between system (or device or available) power and power use is below a given threshold. Power use may be calculated using a velocity parameter which provides a measure that more accurately reflects the environment conditions in which the device is being use, and provides benefits over a one-speed speed limit. Various corrective responses including pitch back and alarms, including those to a user-borne device are disclosed.
Abstract:
A suspension friction drive system and an auto-balancing personal transportation device having same. The suspension friction drive system may include two wheels (at least one of which is a drive wheel) that contact the rim of a wheel to be driven. The wheels preferably contact the rim at a contact angle that increases friction such that wheel driving performance is enhanced. The wheels are also preferably positioned such that some degree of shock absorption is provided and additional absorption may be supported. Various embodiments and features are disclosed including, but not limited to, a suspension frame coupled between the two wheels, the use of at least two drive wheels, a suspension bias mechanism, and a drive wheel substantially centered on the rim.
Abstract:
A motorized, fore-aft self-balancing transportation device that may include a single wheel structure with a drive motor, a battery and first and second foot platforms located on opposite sides of the wheel. The device may be uniquely be arranged such that the motor and battery are positioned such that there is space within the wheel envelope for a portion of the foot platform (positioned near or within the envelope), thereby placing the weight of the rider low and close to the center of gravity of the device. Various battery and motor arrangements are disclosed, as are different drive mechanisms and component redundancy to assure safe operation in the event of failure.
Abstract:
A single-wheel structure transportation device with an extendable walking handle. The transportation device may include a motor, gyroscopic fore-aft self-balancing, and foot platforms for riding the device in a substantially standing position. Various extendable handle arrangements are disclosed that permit a use to readily maneuver the device while walking and to stow the walking handle with or within the frame or housing of the device while the user is riding the device.
Abstract:
A vehicle with two independently rotatable wheels arranged opposite from each other and bridged by a linking structure, having a driving motor for each wheel, and having electronic fore-and-aft self-balancing capabilities. The two wheels are capable of tilting side-to-side in unison to execute turns. The vehicle can carry a rider, who may stand on foot supports either between or outside of the wheels and operate the vehicle by leaning forward, backward, or sideways to direct travel in the direction of leaning. Further means are provided for producing advantages in stability and portability.
Abstract:
A condensed keyboard for mobile phones and other small electronic devices, having two sets of four character keys arrayed on the back of the device for the user's fingers, and one or two joysticks or similar radially movable components for one or both of the user's thumbs. The position of the joystick when a key is pressed determines which of a set of different characters associated with that key is inputted. The joysticks can also be used to input direction commands, for video games and other purposes.